Halina Gueldiren works as an analyst for the WCO Regional Intelligence Liaison Office Western Europe (RILO WE). A global network of eleven RILO offices covers the six WZCO regions. The RILO is a regional centre for collecting and analysing data and for disseminating information about trends, modus operandi, routes and significant fraud cases. She has a degree in finance from the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Germany and worked as a customs officer in various departments. Before joining the RILO WE, she worked as an analyst at Europol in The Hague, the Netherlands. Her area of interest and expertise is data analysis, risk management and the detection and prevention of customs-related crime, as she has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, especially in customs crime and data analysis.

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As a data analyst, more data is the key to better understanding this phenomenon of waste crime. However, training is also required for all officials involved in the fight against illegal waste trade, as well as readily available tools and methods to support the day-to-day work of officials in the detection of illegal trade and waste. When it comes to cross-border waste trade, customs officials are in most cases the first to detect irregularities in the goods, but they always need the support of other authorities, such as environmental authorities, because the nature of waste and waste management is so broad. Close cooperation between all parties involved at national and international level is essential for combating the illegal trade in waste.